Detecting faults affecting communications links

ABSTRACT

A modem or associated computing or testing device is configured to detect the presence of one or more faults that affect DSL communications, and upon their detection, generate, for example, an indication, communication or message that recommends corrective action. In this context, a fault is generally caused by one or more unfiltered devices, impulsive noises, malfunctioning modems, or other factor that does not affect measured attenuation or measured noise, but does affect the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the link. In addition to being able to generate a message guiding a user through corrective action, the system can estimate the rate impact of the detected fault.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a national stage application under 35 U.S.C. 371 ofPCT Application No. PCT/US2009/065740 having an international filingdate of Nov. 24, 2009, which designated the United States, which PCTapplication claimed the benefit of U.S. Application Ser. No. 61/200,066,filed Nov. 24, 2008, the entire disclosure of each of which is herebyincorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

One exemplary purpose of certain embodiments of this invention is todetect the presence of one or more faults that affect DSLcommunications, and upon their detection, generate, for example, amessage that recommends corrective action. In this context, a fault isone or more unfiltered devices, impulsive noises, malfunctioning modems,or something else that does not affect measured attenuation or measurednoise but does affect the signal-to-noise ratio of the link.

BACKGROUND

Some of the most problematic aspects of Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)communications are faults including but not limited to the following:

-   The presence of unfiltered devices connected to the telephone line    such as telephones, answering machines, fax machines and in general    and device connected to the telephone line. Many of these devices    impose nonlinear behavior on transmitted signals. Harmonic    frequencies arising from these nonlinearities generate a disturbance    that is often the dominant noise source limiting data rates and loop    reach.-   The presence of impulsive noise.-   A malfunctioning modem on either or both ends of the line.

Unlike other faults such as high crosstalk, AM ingress, and bridgedtaps, the above faults are not always identifiable by doing a separateanalyses of the attenuation (HLOG) and quiet line noise (QLN) vectors asa function of frequency (per subchannel) that are available as a part ofstandard-compliant DSL links.

For example, high crosstalk or AM can be identified by analyzing QLN,and bridged taps can be identified by analyzing HLOG. Analyzing thesevectors separately in isolation cannot always uncover problems such asnonlinear effects (caused by unfiltered devices), intermittent effectsthat occur when the measurement is not in progress (such as impulsivenoise), or problems with the modems themselves.

SUMMARY

One exemplary purpose of this invention is to detect the presence of oneor more of the above types of faults (without necessarily being able todiscriminate between them) affecting DSL communications. Upon theirdetection, a message can be generated that recommends corrective action.

Furthermore, another exemplary purpose of this invention is to estimatethe rate impact of the detected fault.

One aspect of the invention is to detect the presence of one or morefaults that affect DSL communications, and upon their detection,generate, for example, an indication, communication or message thatrecommends corrective action. In this context, a fault is generallycaused by one or more unfiltered devices, impulsive noises,malfunctioning modems, any non-linearity on the line, any noise sourcethat is not present when the SNR is measured, or any or other factorthat does not affect measured attenuation or measured noise, but doesaffect the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the link.

Additional aspects of the invention relate to multi-carriercommunications links, such as discrete multi-tone (DMT). One exemplarymethod may use standard-compliant links (i.e., as specified in publishedDSL standards such as ITU-T G.992.3/5 and G.993.2, which areincorporated herein by reference in their entirety), but it is notrestricted to standard compliant links. Other embodiments of thisinvention can apply to single-carrier communications links. Theindividual carriers used for the link will be referred to as“subchannels.” For a multi-carrier communications system, there will bemultiple subchannels, whereas for a single-carrier communications systemthere would be only one subchannel. Generally, each link is full duplex,including both an upstream (US) direction and a downstream (DS)direction. To simplify the following descriptions, it should beunderstood that all analyses can be performed for upstream signals,downstream signals, and/or both. Typically, a power spectral density(PSD) is transmitted in both directions during a communications link.

For standard compliant DSL links (as well as some nonstandard DSLlinks), it is possible to observe the signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) foreach of the upstream and/or downstream subcarriers used for the link.For recent ITU DSL standards (ADSL2/2+, VDSL2, G.inp, etc.), this can beaccomplished if the link is performed in the Loop Diagnostics Mode asdefined by ITU standards for DSL, or alternatively the SNRs can be readfrom the MIB (Management Interface) by using a messaging channel duringShowtime, which is term used to denote the steady-state datatransmission mode for DSL. If SNRs are not available (such as with ITUG992.1 and T1.413 ADSL standards), then the bit allocations persubcarrier, fine gain allocations per subcarrier, and the average SNRmargin may be used to estimate the SNR per subcarrier.

For standard compliant DSL links (as well as some nonstandard DSLlinks), it is also possible to observe the attenuation for each of theupstream and/or downstream subchannels used for the link. For recent ITUDSL standards (ADSL2, /2+, VDSL2, G.inp, etc.), this can be accomplishedif the link is performed in the Loop Diagnostics Mode as defined by ITUstandards for DSL, or alternatively the attenuation can be read from theMIB by using a messaging channel during Showtime, which is term used todenote the steady-state data transmission mode for DSL. For recent ITUDSL standards, the parameter HLOG is used to denote the magnitude of theattenuation per subchannel. If attenuation is not available for eachsubchannel separately such as with HLOG, then often composite channelattenuation is available across multiple subchannels. For most DSLstandards, the parameters LATN or SATN can be used to determine thechannel attenuation with sufficient accuracy.

For standard compliant DSL links (as well as some nonstandard DSLlinks), it is further possible to observe the noise for each of theupstream and/or downstream subchannels used for the link. For recent ITUDSL standards (ADSL2, /2+, VDSL2, G.inp, etc.), this can be accomplishedif the link is performed in the Loop Diagnostics Mode as defined by ITUstandards for DSL, or alternatively the noise can be read from the MIBby using a messaging channel during Showtime, which is term used todenote the steady-state data transmission mode for DSL. For recent ITUDSL standards, the parameter Quiet Line Noise (QLN) is used to denotethe magnitude of the noise per subchannel.

Another aspect of the invention is further directed toward observingwhether the per-subchannel SNR measured by the modems differssignificantly from the modeled per-subchannel SNR derived from theper-subchannel QLN measurement, per-subchannel HLOG measurement,knowledge of the PSD profile and other link settings, and knowledgeabout the behavior of the modem that can be characterized (“calibrated”)in advance. If a significant difference exists between the measured andmodeled per-subchannel SNRs, then a fault can be inferred such as one ofthe faults listed above.

One exemplary aspect includes of the following steps:

-   1. Initiate a link via, for example, a management interface. Wait    for the link to succeed. If the link fails, then the proposed method    may not be able to be applied.-   2. Record and/or request and/or read and/or receive via a management    interface (e.g. MIB) the measured per-subchannel SNRs, measured    per-subchannel HLOG, measured per-subchannel QLN, and information    describing the link such as transmit PSD, DSL standard and link    parameters.-   3. Determine the modeled per-subchannel SNR from the measured HLOG,    measured QLN, transmit PSD (TxPSD), and known modem behavior.    One exemplary approach for determining the modeled SNR is as    follows:    ModeledSNR=(TxPSD*HLOG)/(QLN+IntrinsicNoise),    where TxPSD, HLOG, and QLN are each understood to be given on a    per-subchannel basis, and IntrinsicNoise is a per-subchannel noise    model that encapsulates the noise arising from the modems (e.g.,    thermal noise floors) and signal propagation and processing (e.g.,    intersymbol interference, echo, and quantization effects).

Note that IntrinsicNoise is generally dependent upon HLOG, QLN, and themodem types. It can be characterized in advance of the system beingdeployed and pre-stored for use when the system is operational. Oneexemplary brute-force approach to implementing the intrinsic noise modelis simply to construct a lookup table for each condition that could beencountered in the field. Alternatively, one or more models can beconstructed to approximate the behavior of IntrinsicNoise for differentcombinations of conditions. Alternatively, or in addition, a simpleapproximate model of the intrinsic noise, such as white noise, may beused in some cases. The effects of intrinsic noise may be neglected ifthey are insignificant relative to the QLN.

Also note that pre-stored correction factors may need to be applied tothe HLOG and QLN vectors prior to using them in the above expression.These corrections also can be determined in advance and pre-stored.

-   4. By comparing the measured SNR and the modeled SNR over a range of    subchannels that are known to be sufficiently accurate, a    determination is made regarding whether the detectable fault types    listed above are present. This usually occurs when the modeled SNR    is significantly higher than the measured SNR, indicating that    something present in the measurement (e.g., nonlinearity) is not    being taken into account by the models. One exemplary approach for    comparing the measured and modeled SNR to decide whether a fault is    present would be to determine whether the following inequality is    true:    MeasuredSNR/ModeledSNR<SNRThreshold,    where SNRThreshold is some reasonable ratio that allows for modeling    and measurement errors to occur without a tolerable rate of false    fault detections and missed fault detections.-   5. It is reported to, for example, the user (and optionally one or    more other entities) whether a fault is detected, a fault is known    not to be present, or whether a determination cannot be made because    the known inaccuracies of the system could alone cause the above    inequality to be true. A confidence metric may also be reported to    the user and/or the one or more other entities indicating the extent    to which the reported outcome is likely to correspond to reality.-   6. The attainable data rate from the measured SNR can be determined    and subtracted from the attainable data rate determined from the    modeled SNR, resulting in the rate impact from any fault that was    detected. The rate estimates can be determined using any one of    several link assumptions including the actual link parameters used    to obtain the measured SNRs. In fact, the actual link data rate    could be used directly instead of determining the data rate from the    measured SNRs. This rate impact from the fault can be reported to    the user and/or one or more other entities.

The above analysis for determining the presence of the fault mayoptionally be performed on the SNR values in aggregate using someweighted combination.

The above analysis for determining the presence of the fault mayoptionally be performed for the resulting data rates obtainable by theSNR values.

As an alternative to performing the analysis using SNR values, theanalysis may be performed by estimating the additive noise apparentlyattributable to the fault (denoted FaultNoise), which can be inferredfrom the SNR values by assuming knowledge of the other noises and thereceived signal. For example, another exemplary method would replacesteps 3 and 4 above with the following steps:

-   3. Determine the additive noise apparently attributable to the fault    from the measured SNR, measured HLOG, measured QLN, transmit PSD,    and known modem behavior. One exemplary approach for determining    noise attributable to the fault is as follows:    FaultNoise=(TxPSD*HLOG)/MeasuredSNR−QLN−IntrinsicNoise-   4. By considering the magnitude of the FaultNoise relative to the    other noises (QLN+IntrinsicNoise), a determination is made regarding    whether the detectable fault types listed above are present. One    exemplary approach for comparing the FaultNoise and other noises    (QLN+IntrinsicNoise) to decide whether a fault is present would be    to determine whether the following inequality is true:    FaultNoise/(QLN+IntrinsicNoise)>FaultNoiseThreshold,    where FaultNoiseThreshold is some reasonable differential that    allows for modeling and measurement errors to occur without a    tolerable rate of false fault detections and missed fault    detections.

As an alternative to performing the analysis using SNR values, theanalysis may be performed by estimating the attenuation apparentlyattributable to the fault (denoted FaultAttenuation), which can beinferred from the SNR values by assuming knowledge of the noise values,transmitted PSD, and the received signal. For example, another exemplarymethod would replace steps 3 and 4 above with the following steps:

-   3. Determine the attenuation apparently attributable to the fault    from the measured SNR, measured HLOG, measured QLN, transmit PSD,    and known modem behavior. One exemplary approach for determining    fault attenuation is as follows:    FaultAttenuation=MeasuredSNR*(QLN+IntrinsicNoise)/(TxPSD*HLOG)-   4. By considering the magnitude of the FaultAttenuation, a    determination is made regarding whether the detectable fault types    listed above are present. This usually occurs when the    FaultAttenuation is significantly lower than the value one. One    exemplary approach for considering the FaultAttenuation to decide    whether a fault is present would be to determine whether the    following inequality is true:    FaultAttenuation<FaultAttenuationThreshold,    where FaultAttenuationThreshold is some reasonable differential that    allows for modeling and measurement errors to occur without a    tolerable rate of false fault detections and missed fault    detections.

Note that the above formulation of FaultAttenuation can be rewritten asfollows:FaultAttenuation=MeasuredSNR/ModeledSNR,which can be compared directly with SNRThreshold. Therefore,FaultAttenuation analysis is equivalent to comparing the modeled andmeasured SNRs.

As another alternative to performing the analysis using SNR values, theanalysis may be performed by estimating the noise amplificationapparently attributable to the fault (denoted NoiseAmplification), whichcan be inferred from the SNR values by assuming knowledge of the noisevalues, transmitted PSD, and the received signal. For example, anexemplary method would replace steps 3 and 4 above with the followingsteps:

-   3. Determine the noise amplification apparently attributable to the    fault from the measured SNR, measured HLOG, measured QLN, transmit    PSD, and known modem behavior. One exemplary approach for computing    noise amplification is as follows:    NoiseAmplification=(TxPSD*HLOG)/(MeasuredSNR*(QLN+IntrinsicNoise))-   4. By considering the magnitude of the NoiseAmplification, a    determination is made regarding whether the detectable fault types    listed above are present. This usually occurs when the    NoiseAmplification is significantly lower than the value one. One    exemplary approach for considering the NoiseAmplification to decide    whether a fault is present would be to determine whether the    following inequality is true:    NoiseAmplification<NoiseAmplificationThreshold,    where NoiseAmplificationThreshold is some reasonable differential    that allows for modeling and measurement errors to occur without a    tolerable rate of false fault detections and missed fault    detections.

Note that the above formulation of NoiseAmplification can be rewrittenas follows:NoiseAmplification=ModeledSNR/MeasuredSNR,which can be compared with 1/SNRThreshold. Therefore, NoiseAmplificationanalysis is equivalent to comparing the modeled and measured SNRs.

For links initiated as a part of the exemplary method, link settingsusually should be set to maximize the probability that relevant data canbe collected. For example, because it may not be necessary to remain inShowtime for any extended period of time, the required SNR margin oftencan be set very low. Similarly, it may be advantageous to not set aminimum data rate requirement beyond any imposed by the standard ormodem implementations. By allowing links to occur with fewerconstraints, the exemplary method can potentially link and acquire dataon more “difficult” lines (e.g., longer lines and/or lines that containhigher noise).

Each time that the steps described above are exercised, the presence ofa fault can be detected. If the presence of a harmful unfiltered deviceis detected, it cannot be determined (using only the above steps)exactly how many faults are present.

To accomplish this, the user is instructed to first identify, locate andremove at least one fault condition and then repeat the above steps.This process can be iterated until there are no more faults detected.This iterative process allows the user to determine how many harmfulunfiltered devices are present on the line. Different approaches may beused to identify and locate the specific fault. Discriminating betweenthese different fault types is beyond the scope of this idea.

A confidence metric can be formulated that quantifies the extent towhich it is known that a fault is present on the line. This can beformulated in terms of a probability given the information that isknown, or some other metric that is informative to the user.

Note that the proposed method can be used as a form of “domainlocation,” which is to say that it narrows down the probability that aparticular problem occurs within some part of the network (e.g., insidethe customer premises, inside the central office, or in the cables inthe field). Given that a fault is detected, the probability that thefault occurs in a specific domain can be conditioned on informationabout the prevalence of unfiltered devices, impulse noise,malfunctioning hardware, etc.

Furthermore, if the fault is detected only in the downstream data, butnot in the upstream data, then additional information can be inferredabout the location of the fault. A similar argument would apply if thefault is detected only in the upstream data, but not in the downstreamdata, if the fault is detected in both locations, or in neitherlocation.

Exemplary, non-limiting aspects of the invention include one or more ofthe following:

-   1. A module capable of detecting the presence of a fault by    comparing the modeled SNR with the measured SNR for a given link,    wherein the modeled SNR is derived from one or more of the measured    HLOG, measured QLN, transmit PSD, DSL standard, link parameters, and    known modem behavior, and the measured SNR is reported by a modem.-   2. A method for detecting the presence of a fault comprising:-   comparing the modeled SNR with the measured SNR for a given link,    wherein the modeled SNR is derived from one or more of the measured    HLOG, measured QLN, transmit PSD, DSL standard, link parameters, and    known modem behavior, and the measured SNR is reported by a modem.-   3. A computer-readable information storage media having stored    thereon instructions that, if executed, cause comparing of a modeled    SNR with a measured SNR for a given link, wherein the modeled SNR is    derived from one or more of the measured HLOG, measured QLN,    transmit PSD, DSL standard, link parameters, and known modem    behavior, and the measured SNR is reported by a modem.-   4. Aspect 1 or 2 or 3, wherein the modeled SNR is derived from one    or more of an attenuation measurement, a noise measurement,    knowledge about the link parameters such as transmitted PSD, and the    behavior of the modems.-   5. Aspect 1 or 2 or 3, wherein the modeled SNR is derived    approximately by one or more of neglecting or assuming approximate    values for attenuation, noise, link parameters, and/or behavior of    the modems.-   6. Aspect 1 or 2 or 3, wherein the measured SNR is derived from one    or more of the bit allocations, fine gains, and average SNR margin.-   7. A module capable of detecting the presence of a fault by    comparing the modeled data rate with the measured data rate for a    given link, wherein the modeled data rate is derived from one or    more of the measured HLOG, measured QLN, transmit PSD, DSL standard,    link parameters, and known modem behavior, and the measured data    rate is reported by a modem.-   8. A method of detecting the presence of a fault comprising:-   comparing the modeled data rate with the measured data rate for a    given link, wherein the modeled data rate is derived from one or    more of the measured HLOG, measured QLN, transmit PSD, DSL standard,    link parameters, and known modem behavior, and the measured data    rate is reported by a modem.-   9. A computer-readable information storage media having stored    thereon instructions that, if executed, cause comparing of a modeled    data rate with a measured data rate for a given link, wherein the    modeled data rate is derived from one or more of the measured HLOG,    measured QLN, transmit PSD, DSL standard, link parameters, and known    modem behavior, and the measured data rate is reported by the modem.-   10. Aspect 7 or 8 or 9, wherein the modeled data rate is derived    from an attenuation measurement, a noise measurement, knowledge    about the link parameters such as transmitted PSD, and the behavior    of the modems.-   11. Aspect 7 or 8 or 9, wherein the modeled data rate is derived    approximately by one or more of neglecting or assuming approximate    values for attenuation, noise, link parameters, and/or behavior of    the modems.-   12. A module capable of detecting the presence of a fault by    determining the significance of the additive noise apparently    attributable to the fault relative to the other known noises,    wherein the apparent fault noise is derived from one or more of the    measured SNR, measured HLOG, measured QLN, transmit PSD, DSL    standard, link parameters, and known modem behavior.-   13. A method of detecting the presence of a fault comprising:-   determining the significance of the additive noise apparently    attributable to the fault relative to the other known noises,    wherein the apparent fault noise is derived from one or more of the    measured SNR, measured HLOG, measured QLN, transmit PSD, DSL    standard, link parameters, and known modem behavior.-   14. A computer-readable information storage media having stored    thereon instructions that, if executed, cause determining of the    significance of the additive noise apparently attributable to the    fault relative to the other known noises, wherein the apparent fault    noise is derived from one or more of the measured SNR, measured    HLOG, measured QLN, transmit PSD, DSL standard, link parameters, and    known modem behavior.-   15. Aspect 12 or 13 or 14, wherein the apparent fault noise is    derived from one or more of an SNR measurement, attenuation    measurement, a noise measurement, knowledge about the link    parameters such as transmitted PSD, and the behavior of the modems.-   16. Aspect 12 or 13 or 14, wherein the apparent fault noise is    derived approximately by one or more of neglecting or assuming    approximate values for SNR, attenuation, noise, link parameters,    and/or behavior of the modems.-   17. Aspect 12 or 13 or 14, wherein the measured SNR is derived from    one or more of the bit allocations, fine gains, and average SNR    margin.-   18. A module capable of detecting the presence of a fault by    determining the significance of the attenuation apparently    attributable to the fault, wherein the apparent fault attenuation is    derived from one or more of the measured SNR, measured HLOG,    measured QLN, transmit PSD, DSL standard, link parameters, and known    modem behavior.-   19. A method of detecting the presence of a fault comprising:-   determining the significance of the attenuation apparently    attributable to the fault, wherein the apparent fault attenuation is    derived from one or more of the measured SNR, measured HLOG,    measured QLN, transmit PSD, DSL standard, link parameters, and known    modem behavior.-   20. A computer-readable information storage media having stored    thereon instructions that, if executed, cause determining of the    significance of the attenuation apparently attributable to the    fault, wherein the apparent fault attenuation is derived from one or    more of the measured SNR, measured HLOG, measured QLN, transmit PSD,    DSL standard, link parameters, and known modem behavior.-   21. Aspect 18 or 19 or 20, wherein the apparent fault attenuation is    derived from one or more of an attenuation measurement, a noise    measurement, knowledge about the link parameters such as transmitted    PSD, and the behavior of the modems.-   22. Aspect 18 or 19 or 20, wherein the apparent fault attenuation is    derived approximately by one or more of neglecting or assuming    approximate values for attenuation, noise, link parameters, and/or    behavior of the modems.-   23. Aspect 18 or 19 or 20, wherein the measured SNR is derived from    one or more of the bit allocations, fine gains, and average SNR    margin.-   24. A module capable of detecting the presence of a fault by    determining the significance of the noise emphasis apparently    attributable to the fault, wherein the apparent fault noise emphasis    is derived from one or more of the measured SNR, measured HLOG,    measured QLN, transmit PSD, DSL standard, link parameters, and known    modem behavior.-   25. A method of detecting the presence of a fault comprising:-   determining the significance of the noise emphasis apparently    attributable to the fault, wherein the apparent fault noise emphasis    is derived from one or more of the measured SNR, measured HLOG,    measured QLN, transmit PSD, DSL standard, link parameters, and known    modem behavior.-   26. A computer-readable information storage media having stored    thereon instructions that, if executed, cause the determining of the    significance of the noise emphasis apparently attributable to the    fault, wherein the apparent fault noise emphasis is derived from one    or more of the measured SNR, measured HLOG, measured QLN, transmit    PSD, DSL standard, link parameters, and known modem behavior.-   27. Aspect 18 or 19 or 20, wherein the apparent fault noise emphasis    is derived from one or more of an attenuation measurement, a noise    measurement, knowledge about the link parameters such as transmitted    PSD, and the behavior of the modems.-   28. Aspect 18 or 19 or 20, wherein the apparent fault noise emphasis    is derived approximately by one or more of neglecting or assuming    approximate values for attenuation, noise, link parameters, and/or    behavior of the modems.-   29. Aspect 18 or 19 or 20, wherein the measured SNR is derived from    one or more of the bit allocations, fine gains, and average SNR    margin.-   30. Any of the aspects above wherein a user is notified of the    detection of a non-linear device.-   31. Any of the aspects above wherein additional links are performed    to identify additional non-linear devices.

One exemplary embodiment of the proposed method can utilize standardcompliant data collection. This includes ITU and ANSI DSL standards.Because it is possible (although not necessary) to utilizestandard-compliant DSL links to acquire the data rather than relying ona proprietary implementation that might not be implemented on somemodems, more modems can utilize the proposed method because the vastmajority of DSL modems are effectively standard compliant.

One exemplary embodiment of the proposed method can utilize standardcompliant sending of data from the far-end modem to the central office,which enables data collection to be initiated and results made availableremotely (e.g., from a central office far from the CPE modem andunfiltered devices) without requiring a commutations channel other thanthe DSL link itself used to perform the measurement.

These and other features and advantages of this invention are describedin, or are apparent from, the following detail description of theexemplary embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The exemplary embodiments of the invention will be described in detail,with reference to the following figures, wherein:

FIG. 1A illustrates an exemplary communications system according to thisinvention;

FIG. 1B illustrates a second exemplary communications system thatincludes a diagnostic interface according to this invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary method of detecting and correctingfaults according to this invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary method of fault detection based on SNRaccording to this invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary method of fault detection based onadditive noise according to this invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary method of fault detection based onattenuation according to this invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary method of fault detection based on noiseamplification according to this invention; and

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary iterative approach todetecting faults according to this invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The exemplary embodiments of this invention will be described inrelation to communications systems, as well as protocols, techniques andmethods to identify faults and/or impairments in a multicarriercommunications environment. However, it should be appreciated, that ingeneral, the systems and methods of this invention will work equallywell for other types of communications environments, networks and/orprotocols.

The exemplary systems and methods of this invention will also bedescribed in relation to multicarrier wired or wireless modems, such aspowerline modems, coaxial cable modems, telephone line modems, such asxDSL modems and vDSL modems, wireless modems, such as 802.11 and 802.16modems, and associated communications hardware, software andcommunications channels. However, to avoid unnecessarily obscuring thepresent invention, the following description omits well-known structuresand devices that may be shown in block diagram form or are otherwisesummarized or known.

For purposes of explanation, numerous details are set forth in order toprovide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It should beappreciated however that the present invention may be practiced in avariety of ways beyond the specific details set forth herein.

Furthermore, while the exemplary embodiments illustrated herein show thevarious components of the system collocated, it is to be appreciatedthat the various components of the system can be located at distantportions of a distributed network, such as a communications networkand/or the Internet, or within a dedicated secure, unsecured, and/orencrypted system.

Thus, it should be appreciated that the components of the system can becombined into one or more devices, such as a modem, line card, astation, a domain master, a node or collocated on a particular node of adistributed network, such as a telecommunications network. As will beappreciated from the following description, and for reasons ofcomputations efficiency, the components of the systems can be arrangedat any location within a distributed network without affecting theoperation thereof. For example, the various components can be located ina domain master, a node, a domain management device, or some combinationthereof. Similarly, one or more functional portions of this system couldbe distributed between a modem and an associated computingdevice/system.

Furthermore, it should be appreciated that the various links, includingthe communications channels connecting the elements can be wired orwireless links or any combination thereof, or any other known or laterdeveloped element(s) capable of supplying and/or communicating data toand from the connected elements. The term module as used herein canrefer to any known or later developed hardware, software, firmware, orcombination thereof, that is capable of performing the functionalityassociated with that element. The terms determine, calculate, andcompute, and variations thereof, as used herein are used interchangeablyand include any type of methodology, process, technique, mathematicaloperation or protocol. The terms transceiver and modem are also usedinterchangeably herein. The terms transmitting modem and transmittingtransceiver as well as receiving modem and receiving transceiver arealso used interchangeably herein. The term DSL is used in thisdescription for any type of xDSL including ADSL1, ADSL2/2+, VDSL2.G.inp, etc. The term link is used in this description for any type ofxDSL data connection between two xDSL transceivers. The term ManagementInterface is used in this description for any type of interface betweena management entity and/or technician and a transceiver, such as, forexample, a CO-MIB or CPE-MIB as described in ITU Standard G.997.1.

Moreover, while some of the exemplary embodiments described are directedtoward a transmitter portion of a transceiver performing certainfunctions, this disclosure is intended to include correspondingreceiver-side functionality in both the same transceiver and/or anothertransceiver and vice versa.

Certain exemplary embodiments of this invention also relate tomulti-carrier communications links, such as Discrete Multi-Tone (DMT).Also, the terms transceiver and modem have the same meaning and are usedherein interchangeably.

FIG. 1A illustrates an exemplary communications system 1. Thecommunications system 1 includes modems 100 and 200 communicating overcommunications channel 5. In addition to well known componentry, themodem 100 includes a fault detection module 110, a per-subchannel SNRmeasurement module 120, a per-subchannel HLOG measurement module 130, aper-subchannel QLN measurement module 140, a modeling module 150,noise/attenuation module 155, an impact estimation module 160, acorrective action module 170, a transmit PSD/DSL standard/link parametermodule 180, controller 190, memory 195, lookup table 197, in addition toother well known componentry. The modem 200 can include similarcomponentry.

FIG. 1B illustrates a second exemplary embodiment of the invention wherelike numbers have been used for like parts, however certainfunctionality has been moved to an interpretation module 3. Morespecifically, the communications system 2 includes modems 100 and 200communicating over communications channel 5. The communications system 2also includes an interpretation module 3, connected via the managementinterface, to modem 200. The interpretation module 3 is furtherconnected to a service provider and/or technician diagnostic interface4. Similar to FIG. 1A, the modem 100 includes a per-subchannel SNRmeasurement module 120, a per-subchannel HLOG measurement module 130, aper-subchannel QLN measurement module 140, controller/processor 190, atransmit PSD/DSL standard/link parameter module 180, controller 190,memory 195 and lookup table 197, in addition to other well knowncomponentry. The interpretation module 3 includes a fault detectionmodule 110, a modeling module 150, noise/attenuation module 155, animpact estimation module 160, a corrective action module 170 as well asa controller 190 and a memory 195. Instead of the modem 100 performingthe interpretation functionality to determine the presence of one ormore faults as in the embodiment in FIG. 1A, in the embodiment of FIG.1B, the measurement data obtained by modem 100 is forwarded to theinterpretation module 3. More specifically, the interpretation module 3receives measurement data from modem 100, and more specifically from theper-subchannel SNR measurement module 120, the per-subchannel HLOGmeasurement module 130, and the per-subchannel QLN measurement module140 (via communications channel 5 and modem 200) and is capable ofreturning a corrective action message to more or more of the modem 100(via communications channel 5 and modem 200) and the serviceprovider/technician at the diagnostic interface 4.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the modems can affected byone or more faults and/or impairments, such as a defective ormalfunctioning modem, one or more unfiltered devices, and impulse noise.

As discussed, unlike other faults such as high crosstalk, AM ingress,and bridged taps, the presence of one or more unfiltered devices, thepresence of impulsive noise, and a malfunctioning modem are not alwaysidentifiable by doing a separate analyses of the attenuation (HLOG) andquiet line noise (QLN) vectors as a function of frequency (persubchannel) that are available as a part of standard-compliant DSLlinks. An exemplary aspect of this invention is directed towarddetecting the presence of one or more faults, generating a correctiveaction message and optionally estimating the rate impact of the detectedfault(s).

More specifically, and in general, the fault detection module 110 workswith one or more of the per-subchannel SNR measurement module 120, theper-subchannel HLOG measurement module 130, and the per-subchannel QLNmeasurement module 140 to detect the presence of one or more faults.These modules can further cooperate with the modeling module 150 inthose instances where modeled attributes are also taken intoconsideration to assists with determining fault or impairment presence.Then, the corrective action module 170 generates and forwards a messageto, for example, a user, service provider and/or technician recommendingcorrective action. This process of fault detection and corrective actionrecommendations can be performed iteratively as needed.

In operation, the modem 100 initiates a link with modem 200 overcommunications channel 5. In cooperation with the SNR measurement module120, the measured per-subchannel SNRs are measured. As an alternative, atechnician can initiate a link from the diagnostic interface 4.

In addition, and in cooperation with the HLOG measurement module 130,per-subchannel HLOG is measured and recorded. In conjunction with theQLN measurement module 140, the per-subchannel QLN is also measured andrecorded. Additionally, and in cooperation with the link parametermodule 180 and lookup table 197, link information such as transmit PSD,DSL standard, link parameters, and the like can also be determinedand/or recorded and, for example, stored in memory 195 and/or the lookuptable 197. This information can also be forwarded, as discussed above inrelation to communications system 2, to the interpretation module 3.

In accordance with a first exemplary embodiment, and in cooperation withthe modeling module 150, a modeled per-subchannel SNR is determined fromthe measured HLOG, measured QLN, transmit PSD, and known modem behavior.Then, in cooperation with the fault detection module 110, the measuredSNR and the modeled SNR are compared over the range of subchannels thatare known to be sufficiently accurate. A determination is then made bythe fault detection module 110 whether any of the detectable fault typesare present. The corrective action module 170 can then assemble andreport whether a fault is detected, a fault is known not to be present,or whether a determination could not be made.

Optionally, or in addition, with the impact estimation module 160, theattainable data rate from the measured SNR can be subtracted from theattainable data rate determined from the modeled SNR, resulting in therate impact from the fault that was detected. As discussed, these rateestimates can be determined using any one of several link assumptionsincluding the actual link parameters used to obtain the measured SNRs.In fact, the actual link data rate could be used directly instead ofdetermining the data rate from the measured SNRs. This rate impact fromthe fault can be reported to the user.

A second exemplary embodiment includes a majority of the steps asdiscussed above, however it is based on additive noise instead of themodeled per-subchannel SNR. More specifically, and in cooperation withthe noise module 155, the additive noise apparently attributable to thefault from the measured per-subchannel SNR, measured HLOG, measured QLN,transmit PSD and known modem behavior is determined. Then, byconsidering the magnitude of the FaultNoise relative to the other noises(QLN+IntrinsicNoise), a determination is made regarding whether thedetectable fault types are present. Then, in cooperation with thecorrective action model, a report can be generated as to whether a faultis detected, a fault is known not to be present or whether adetermination could not be made.

A third exemplary embodiment utilizes an attenuation measurement toassist with the determining fault presence. More specifically, and incooperation with the attenuation module 155, the attenuation apparentlyattributable to the fault is determined from the measured per-subchannelSNR from the measured HLOG, measured QLN, transmit PSD and known modembehavior. Then, when considering the magnitude of the FaultAttenuation,a determination is made regarding whether the detectable type faults arepresent. A report can then be generated in cooperation with thecorrective action module 170 as discussed above.

A fourth exemplary embodiment utilizes Noise Amplification to assistwith determining fault presence. More specifically, and in cooperationwith the noise module 155, noise amplification apparently attributableto the fault is determined from the measured per-subchannel SNR frommeasured HLOG, measured QLN, transmit PSD and known modem behavior. Byconsidering the magnitude of the NoiseAmplification, a determination ismade regarding whether the detectable type faults listed above arepresent. As with the other embodiments, the corrective action module 170can compile and forward a report regarding the fault(s) detected, withthe impact estimation module 160 optionally estimating any impact thefault(s) may be causing.

FIG. 2 outlines an exemplary high level overview of an exemplaryembodiment of this invention. In particular, control begins in step S200and continues to step S210. In step S210, the presence of one or morefaults is detected. Next, in step S220, a corrective action message isgenerated. Then, in step S230, the rate impact of the detected fault(s)can optionally be estimated. Control then continues to step S240 wherethe control sequence ends.

FIG. 3 outlines a first exemplary embodiment for fault detectionaccording to this invention. In particular, control begins in step S300and continues to step S310. In step S310 a link is initiated between thetwo modems over the communications channel. As discussed, this linkcould also be initiated at the direction of a technician or serviceprovider via the management interface. Next, in step S320, theper-subchannel SNRs are measured and recorded. Then, in step S330, theper-subchannel HLOG is measured and recorded. Control then continues tostep S340.

In step S340, the per-subchannel QLN is measured and recorded. Next, instep S350, link information, such as transmit PSD, DSL standard, linkparameters, and the like can also be recorded. Control then continues tostep S360. As discussed above, in accordance with the embodiment of FIG.1B, this information can be forwarded to or requested by a technician orservice provider associated with the diagnostic interface.

In step S360, the modeled per-subchannel SNR is determined from themeasured HLOG, measured QLN, transmit PSD and known modem behavior.Then, step S370, by comparing the measured SNR and the modeled SNR overthe range of subchannels that are known to be sufficiently accurate, adetermination is made regarding whether the detectable fault types arepresent. Control then continues to step S380.

In step S380, a report is generated and optionally forwarded to, forexample, one or more of a user, technician and service provider, whethera fault has been detected, a fault is known not be present or whether adetermination cannot be made. Then, in step S390, the attainable datarate from the measured SNR can optionally be determined and subtractedfrom the attainable data rate computed from the modeled SNR resulting inthe rate impact from any fault that was detected. The rate estimates canbe determined using any one of several link assumptions including theactual link parameters used to obtain the measured SNRs. In fact, theactual data link rate could be used directly instead of determining thedata rate from the measured SNRs. This rate impact from the fault can bereported to the one or more of a user, technician and service provider.Control then continues to step S395 where the control sequence ends.

FIG. 4 outlines a second exemplary embodiment for fault detectionaccording to this invention. In particular, control begins in step S400and continues to step S410. In step S410 a link is initiated between thetwo modems over the communications channel. As discussed, this linkcould also be initiated at the direction of a technician or serviceprovider via the management interface. Next, in step S420, theper-subchannel SNRs are measured and recorded. Then, in step S430, theper-subchannel HLOG is measured and recorded. Control then continues tostep S440.

In step S440, the per-subchannel QLN is measured and recorded. Next, instep S450, link information, such as transmit PSD, DSL standard, linkparameters, and the like can also be recorded. Control then continues tostep S460. As discussed above, in accordance with the embodiment of FIG.1B, this information can be forwarded to or requested by a technician orservice provider associated with the diagnostic interface.

In step S460, the Additive Noise apparently attributable to the fault isdetermined from the measured per-subchannel SNR from measured HLOG,measured QLN, transmit PSD and known modem behavior. Then, step S470, bycomparing the magnitude of the FaultNoise relative to the other noises(QLN+IntrinsicNoise), a determination is made regarding whether thedetectable fault types listed above are present. Control then continuesto step S480.

In step S480, a report is generated and optionally forwarded to, forexample, one or more of a user, technician and service provider, whethera fault is known not be present or whether a determination cannot bemade. Then, in step S490, the attainable data rate from the measured SNRcan optionally be determined and subtracted from the attainable datarate computed from the modeled SNR resulting in the rate impact from anyfault that was detected. The rate estimates can be determined using anyone of several link assumptions including the actual link parametersused to obtain the measured SNRs. In fact, the actual data link ratecould be used directly instead of determining the data rate from themeasured SNRs. This rate impact from the fault can be reported to one ormore of a user, technician and service provider. Control then continuesto step S495 where the control sequence ends.

FIG. 5 outlines a third exemplary embodiment for fault detectionaccording to this invention. In particular, control begins in step S500and continues to step S510. In step S510 a link is initiated between thetwo modems over the communications channel. As discussed, this linkcould also be initiated at the direction of a technician or serviceprovider via the management interface. Next, in step S520, theper-subchannel SNRs are measured and recorded. Then, in step S530, theper-subchannel HLOG is measured and recorded. Control then continues tostep S540.

In step S540, the per-subchannel QLN is measured and recorded. Next, instep S550, link information, such as transmit PSD, DSL standard, linkparameters, and the like can also be recorded. Control then continues tostep S560. As discussed above, in accordance with the embodiment of FIG.1B, this information can be forwarded to or requested by a technician orservice provider associated with the diagnostic interface.

In step S560, the attenuation apparently attributable to the fault(s)from the measured per-subchannel SNR, measured HLOG, measured QLN,transmit PSD and known modem behavior. Then, step S570, by evaluatingthe magnitude of the FaultAttenuation, a determination is made regardingwhether the detectable fault types listed above are present. Controlthen continues to step S580.

In step S580, a report is generated and optionally forwarded to, forexample, one or more of a user, technician and service provider, whethera fault is known not be present or whether a determination cannot bemade. Then, in step S590, the attainable data rate from the measured SNRcan optionally be determined and subtracted from the attainable datarate computed from the modeled SNR resulting in the rate impact from anyfault that was detected. The rate estimates can be determined using anyone of several link assumptions including the actual link parametersused to obtain the measured SNRs. In fact, the actual data link ratecould be used directly instead of determining the data rate from themeasured SNRs. This rate impact from the fault can be reported to one ormore of a user, technician and service provider. Control then continuesto step S595 where the control sequence ends.

FIG. 6 outlines a fourth exemplary embodiment for fault detectionaccording to this invention. In particular, control begins in step S600and continues to step S610. In step S610 a link is initiated between thetwo modems over the communications channel. As discussed, this linkcould also be initiated at the direction of a technician or serviceprovider via the management interface. Next, in step S620, theper-subchannel SNRs are measured and recorded. Then, in step S630, theper-subchannel HLOG is measured and recorded. Control then continues tostep S640.

In step S640, the per-subchannel QLN is measured and recorded. Next, instep S650, link information, such as transmit PSD, DSL standard, linkparameters, and the like can also be recorded. Control then continues tostep S660. As discussed above, in accordance with the embodiment of FIG.1B, this information can be forwarded to or requested by a technician orservice provider associated with the diagnostic interface.

In step S660, the Noise Amplification apparently attributable to theFault is determined from the measured per-subchannel SNR from measuredHLOG, measured QLN, transmit PSD and known modem behavior. Then, stepS350, by evaluating the magnitude of the NoiseAmplification, adetermination is made regarding whether the detectable fault types arepresent. Control then continues to step S680.

In step S680, a report is generated and optionally forwarded to, forexample, one or more of a user, technician and service provider, whethera fault is known not be present or whether a determination cannot bemade. Then, in step S690, the attainable data rate from the measured SNRcan optionally be determined and subtracted from the attainable datarate computed from the modeled SNR resulting in the rate impact from anyfault that was detected. The rate estimates can be determined using anyone of several link assumptions including the actual link parametersused to obtain the measured SNRs. In fact, the actual data link ratecould be used directly instead of determining the data rate from themeasured SNRs. This rate impact from the fault can be reported to one ormore of a user, technician and service provider. Control then continuesto step S695 where the control sequence ends.

FIG. 7 outlines an exemplary embodiment of iteratively correcting faultsaccording to an exemplary embodiment of this invention. In particular,control begins in step S700 and continues to step S710. In step S710,the presence of harmful unfiltered device(s) has been detected. Next, instep S720, the user is instructed to identify, locate, and remove atleast one fault condition. For example, a report or message can be sentto one or more of a user, technician and service provider, it may or maynot include graphical illustrations of what to look for in terms ofcommon fault causing devices that should either be removed from thecircuit, or, for example, a microfilter installed between the device(s)and the communications channel. This report or message could bedisplayed on a display associated with a computer connected to the modemor the diagnostic interface.

Once the user has located and removed at least one fault condition,control continues to step S730 where one or more of the tests above canbe repeated. Then, in step S740, a determination is made whether thefault(s) are still present. If the fault(s) are present, control jumpsback to step S720 with control otherwise continuing to step S750 wherethe control sequence ends.

The above-described methods and systems and can be implemented in asoftware module, a software and/or hardware testing module, atelecommunications test device, a DSL modem, an ADSL modem, an xDSLmodem, a VDSL modem, a linecard, a G.hn transceiver, a MOCA transceiver,a Homeplug® transceiver, a powerline modem, a wired or wireless modem,test equipment, a multicarrier transceiver, a wired and/or wirelesswide/local area network system, a satellite communication system,network-based communication systems, such as an IP, Ethernet or ATMsystem, a modem equipped with diagnostic capabilities, or the like, oron a separate programmed general purpose computer having acommunications device or in conjunction with any of the followingcommunications protocols: CDSL, ADSL2, ADSL2+, VDSL1, VDSL2, HDSL, DSLLite, IDSL, RADSL, SDSL, UDSL, MOCA, G.hn, Homeplug® or the like.

Additionally, the systems, methods and protocols of this invention canbe implemented on a special purpose computer, a programmedmicroprocessor or microcontroller and peripheral integrated circuitelement(s), an ASIC or other integrated circuit, a digital signalprocessor, a flashable device, a hard-wired electronic or logic circuitsuch as discrete element circuit, a programmable logic device such asPLD, PLA, FPGA, PAL, a modem, a transmitter/receiver, any comparablemeans, or the like. In general, any device capable of implementing astate machine that is in turn capable of implementing the methodologyillustrated herein can be used to implement the various communicationmethods, protocols and techniques according to this invention. While thesystems and means disclosed herein are described in relation to variousfunctions that are performed, it is to be appreciated that the systemsand means may not always perform all of the various functions, but arecapable of performing one or more of the disclosed functions.

Furthermore, the disclosed methods may be readily implemented insoftware using object or object-oriented software developmentenvironments that provide portable source code that can be used on avariety of computer or workstation platforms. Alternatively, thedisclosed system may be implemented partially or fully in hardware usingstandard logic circuits or a VLSI design. Whether software or hardwareis used to implement the systems in accordance with this invention isdependent on the speed and/or efficiency requirements of the system, theparticular function, and the particular software or hardware systems ormicroprocessor or microcomputer systems being utilized. Thecommunication systems, methods and protocols illustrated herein can bereadily implemented in hardware and/or software using any known or laterdeveloped systems or structures, devices and/or software by those ofordinary skill in the applicable art from the functional descriptionprovided herein and with a general basic knowledge of the computer andtelecommunications arts.

Moreover, the disclosed methods may be readily implemented in softwarethat can be stored on a computer-readable storage medium, executed onprogrammed general-purpose computer with the cooperation of a controllerand memory, a special purpose computer, a microprocessor, or the like.In these instances, the systems and methods of this invention can beimplemented as program embedded on personal computer such as an applet,JAVA® or CGI script, as a resource residing on a server or computerworkstation, as a routine embedded in a dedicated communication systemor system component, or the like. The system can also be implemented byphysically incorporating the system and/or method into a software and/orhardware system, such as the hardware and software systems ofcommunication device.

While the invention is described in terms of exemplary embodiments, itshould be appreciated that individual aspects of the invention could beseparately claimed and one or more of the features of the variousembodiments can be combined.

While the systems and means disclosed herein are described in relationto various functions that are performed, it is to be appreciated thatthe systems and means may not always perform all of the variousfunctions, but are capable of performing one or more of the disclosedfunctions.

While the exemplary embodiments illustrated herein disclose the variouscomponents as collocated, it is to be appreciated that the variouscomponents of the system can be located at distant portions of adistributed network, such as a telecommunications network and/or theInternet or within a dedicated communications network. Thus, it shouldbe appreciated that the components of the system can be combined intoone or more devices or collocated on a particular node of a distributednetwork, such as a telecommunications network. As will be appreciatedfrom the following description, and for reasons of computationalefficiency, the components of the communications network can be arrangedat any location within the distributed network without affecting theoperation of the system.

It is therefore apparent that there has been provided, in accordancewith the present invention, systems and methods for fault and impairmentdetection and mitigation. While this invention has been described inconjunction with a number of embodiments, it is evident that manyalternatives, modifications and variations would be or are apparent tothose of ordinary skill in the applicable arts. Accordingly, thisdisclosure is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications,equivalents and variations that are within the spirit and scope of thisinvention.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method to detect one or more faults affecting a communication channel comprising: receiving, via a management interface, one or more of per-subchannel SNR's (Signal-to-Noise Ratio), per-subchannel attenuation analysis (HLOG) and per-subchannel quiet line noise (QLN), transmit power spectral density (PSD) and knowledge about behavior of a modem that can be characterized in advance; determining information about the communication channel; and determining, using a processor, a presence of a fault that impact SNR on the communication channel from the one or more of the per-subchannel SNR's, HLOG, QLN, transmit PSD and modem behavior.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising generating a report indicating whether the fault has been detected, the fault is known not to be present, or whether a determination cannot be made.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the report is forwarded to one or more of a user, technician and service provider.
 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising determining a modeled per-subchannel SNR.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the presence of the fault is determined when a difference between the modeled SNR and a measured SNR exceeds a threshold.
 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising determining additive noise attributable to one or more faults.
 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising determining attenuation attributable to one or more faults.
 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising determining noise amplification attributable to one or more faults.
 9. A method for detecting a presence of one or more faults comprising: comparing, using a processor, a modeled signal to noise ratio (SNR) with a measured SNR for a given link, wherein the modeled SNR is derived from measured per-subchannel attenuation analysis (HLOG), measured per-subchannel quiet line noise (OLN), transmit power spectral density (PSD), digital subscriber line (DSL) standard information, link parameters, and knowledge about behavior of a modem that can be characterized in advance; and receiving, via a management interface, the measured SNR.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein a presence of a fault is determined when a difference between the modeled SNR and the measured SNR exceeds a threshold.
 11. A method of detecting a presence of one or more faults comprising: comparing, using a processor, a modeled data rate with a measured data rate for a given link, wherein the modeled data rate is derived from measured per-subchannel attenuation analysis (HLOG), measured per-subchannel quiet line noise (QLN), transmit power spectral density (PSD), digital subscriber line (DSL) standard information, link parameters, and knowledge about behavior of a modem that can be characterized in advance; and receiving, via a management interface, the measured data rate.
 12. A method of detecting a presence of one or more faults comprising: determining, at least using a processor, a significance of additive noise attributable to the one or more faults relative to other known noises, wherein the fault noise is derived from measured per-subchannel signal to noise (SNR), measured per-subchannel attenuation analysis (HLOG), measured per-subchannel quiet line noise (QLN), transmit power spectral density (PSD), digital subscriber line (DSL) standard information, link parameters, and knowledge about behavior of a modem that can be characterized in advance.
 13. A method of detecting a presence of one or more faults comprising: determining, at least using a processor, a significance of attenuation attributable to the one or more faults, wherein the fault attenuation is derived from measured per-subchannel signal to noise (SNR), measured per-subchannel attenuation analysis (HLOG), measured per-subchannel quiet line noise (QLN), transmit power spectral density (PSD), digital subscriber line (DSL) standard information, link parameters, and knowledge about behavior of a modem that can be characterized in advance.
 14. A method of detecting a presence of one or more faults comprising: determining, at least using a processor, a significance of noise emphasis attributable to the one or more faults, wherein the fault noise emphasis is derived from measured per-subchannel signal to noise (SNR), measured per-subchannel attenuation analysis (HLOG) HLOG, measured per-subchannel quiet line noise (QLN), transmit power spectral density (PSD), digital subscriber line (DSL) standard information, link parameters, and knowledge about behavior of a modem that can be characterized in advance.
 15. One or more means for detecting one or more faults affecting a communication channel comprising: means for receiving, via a management interface, one or more of per-subchannel SNR's (Signal-to-Noise Ratio), per-subchannel attenuation analysis (HLOG) and per-subchannel quiet line noise (QLN); means and a processor for determining information about the communication channel; and means for determining a presence of a fault that impacts SNR on the communication channel from the one or more of the HLOG, QLN, transmit power spectral density (PSD) and knowledge about behavior of a modem that can be characterized in advance. 